In the lovely town of Borgo San Lorenzo, Italy, there was a dog named Fido whose story touched hearts around the world. Fido wasn’t known for special tricks or brave acts. Instead, he became a symbol of love and loyalty that still inspires people today.
How Fido Found His Family (1941)
It all started in 1941, during the tough days of World War II. A kind-hearted man named Carlo Soriani found a stray dog shivering in the chilled winter on his way home. Dog was injured and lying in the ditch. Carlo couldn’t just walk away. He brought the dog home, nursed him back to health, and named him Fido (which means “faithful” in Latin), and gave him a warm place to call home. Carlo and his wife treated Fido like family, and the bond between them grew strong. From that moment on, the two were inseparable.
The Routine (1942)
After Fido recovered, he started following Carlo to the bus stop in the center of Luco di Mugello every morning. He’d watch Carlo get on the bus for work and then wait patiently until the bus came back in the evening. As soon as Carlo stepped off, Fido would greet him with so much joy and follow him home. This sweet routine went on every workday for two years—Fido waiting quietly in the square, sniffing the air, and then bursting with excitement when Carlo returned. Everyone in the village loved seeing this sweet routine.
A Heartbreaking Turn (1943)
On December 30, 1943, tragedy struck Carlo’s town, Borgo San Lorenzo. During World War II, Allied planes bombed the area, hitting factories where many workers, including Carlo, were. Carlo didn’t survive the attack..
That evening, like always, Fido went to the bus stop to wait for Carlo. But Carlo didn’t come back. Fido stayed there, watching each person step off the bus, hoping to see his best friend, but Carlo was gone.
The Wait That Never Ended
Even after Carlo’s death, Fido kept returning to the bus stop every single day. He waited through rain, snow, and scorching summer days, hoping to see his best friend step off the bus. This heartbreaking ritual lasted for 14 years until Fido’s own death.
Fido’s Fame (1950s)
Fido’s unwavering devotion touched everyone in Borgo San Lorenzo. The townspeople took him under their wing, making sure he was fed and cared for. His story spread far and wide, and he became a national symbol of loyalty and love.
In 1957, Time magazine wrote about him. Fido was officially recognized for his devotion. The mayor awarded him a gold medal for his unwavering loyalty.
A Statue for Fido
Fido’s incredible loyalty touched so many people that, in 1957, the town of Borgo San Lorenzo decided to honor him with a statue. Sculptor Salvatore Cipolla created the “Monument to Fido” and placed it in Piazza Dante, near the town hall. The statue showed Fido waiting faithfully, with the words “To Fido, Example of Loyalty” written on it.
At first, the statue was made of majolica, but sadly, it was damaged by vandals. The town didn’t give up, though! They asked the sculptor to make a new one, this time in bronze. The bronze statue replaced the original and still stands in Piazza Dante today, reminding everyone of Fido’s love and devotion.
Saying Goodbye (1958)
Fido passed away on June 9, 1958, near the bus stop in Borgo San Lorenzo where he had waited faithfully for 14 years for Carlo. By this time, he was elderly and in declining health. It is believed he died of natural causes, likely due to old age. The news spread quickly, and La Nazione newspaper featured a big story on the front page about his death. His passing marked the end of an era, but his story lives on as a reminder of the incredible bond between humans and their dogs.
A few weeks later, on June 22, La Domenica del Corriere published a touching cover story about Fido. The cover showed a painting by Walter Molino of Fido lying by the roadside, with the bus waiting in the background.
Fido was buried next to his beloved friend Carlo, so they could be together forever. His story continues to remind us of true love and loyalty.
Fido’s Legacy
Even today, Fido is remembered alongside other famous dogs like Hachiko from Japan. His story reminds us of how much dogs love us and how they teach us about loyalty and strength.
In Borgo San Lorenzo, Fido’s statue still stands in the town square. It’s a tribute to a dog whose love touched the whole community. Fido may have been waiting for Carlo, but in doing so, he showed the world what it means to never give up on someone you love.
